U.S. patent application number 10/231964 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for container with rotary closure.
Invention is credited to Ackermann, Bruno, Folland, Dieter, Goetz, Hermann.
Application Number | 20030080130 10/231964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7961408 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030080130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goetz, Hermann ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Container with rotary closure
Abstract
A container, particularly in the form of a beverage can, which
has a drinking opening preparation in its upper lid wall, and may
be reclosed after being opened by a rotary lid closure. Means are
provided for coupling the rotary lid closure to the lid wall when
the lid wall recedes somewhat after opening the container so that
the drinking opening made can be reclosed sealingly.
Inventors: |
Goetz, Hermann;
(Ruesselsheim, DE) ; Ackermann, Bruno;
(Nieder-Olm, DE) ; Folland, Dieter; (Hochheim,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
M. Robert Kestenbaum
11011 Bermuda Dunes NE
Albuquerque
NM
87111
US
|
Family ID: |
7961408 |
Appl. No.: |
10/231964 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/253 ;
220/258.4; 220/259.3; 222/541.2; 222/548 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/002 20130101;
B65D 2517/0041 20130101; B65D 2517/0011 20130101; Y10S 220/906
20130101; B65D 17/401 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/253 ;
220/258.4; 220/259.3; 222/548; 222/541.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2001 |
DE |
201 14 741.6 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. (Amended) A container comprising: a rotationally symmetrical
wall region; a lid wall having a circular circumference and being
fixed with an edge seam to said rotationally symmetrical wall
region along the circumference thereof; a bounded region of said
lid wall extending between an axis of rotation and the circular
circumference of said lid wall and being enclosed by a
predetermined breaking line which, once broken open, releases a
single drinking and pouring opening; a depression having a sloping
surface which is formed by wall portions of said lid wall within
said predetermined breaking line; a rotary lid closure which
includes a rotary sliding wall which spans said lid wall, an
opening cut out therein, and a boss for riding on said sloping
surface so as to break open said drinking and pouring opening;
means for supporting said rotary lid closure upon said edge seam of
said lid wall when said rotary lid closure is actuated for breaking
open said drinking and pouring opening, and means for coupling said
rotary lid closure to said lid wall such that said rotary lid
closure follows said lid wall when the same recedes somewhat in
direction of the container interior due to decreasing inner
pressure in the container after breaking up of the drinking and
pouring opening.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said
rotary lid closure comprises wall formations of said rotary lid
closure forming clips to co-operate with said edge seam of said lid
wall, and wherein said means for coupling said rotary lid closure
to said lid wall comprises a central bearing and mounting place
effective to hold said rotary slider wall of said rotary lid
closure closely to said lid wall, said rotary lid closure being
additionally supported when said drinking and pouring opening is
being broken up.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein said bearing and mounting place
comprises a pin-like extension of the lid wall and a hole recess in
the rotary lid closure, said pin-like extension and said hole
recess having latching means to interlock with one another.
4. The container of claim 3 wherein said latching means include a
cramp engaging said pin-like extension with clamping effect.
5. The container of claim 3 wherein said latching means include an
annular depression on said pin-like extension and dents at said
rotary lid closure which interengage.
6. The container of claim 3 wherein said latching means comprise
rivet head means fixed to said pin-like extension after assembly of
the rotary lid closure.
7. The container of claim 3 wherein said pin-like extension
consists of hollow drawn wall portions of said lid wall.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein said means for coupling said
rotary lid closure to said lid wall comprise annular wall portions
fitting into one another and being provided with screw surfaces or
bayonet formations and arranged to press said rotary lid closure in
its shutting position onto the drinking and pouring opening.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein a sealing liner is provided on
said lid wall in the region of said drinking and pouring
opening.
10. The container of claim 9 wherein said sealing liner is anchored
in a stiffening corrugation encircling said bounded region.
11. The container of claim 1 wherein said means for coupling said
rotary lid closure to said lid wall comprises a vault of said
rotary slider wall such that said rotary slider wall engages said
lid wall with prestress also if there is no inner pressure within
the container.
12. The container of claim 1 wherein said rotary lid closure
includes a gripping rim wall which extends to said rotationally
symmetrical wall region of the container forming a gap thereto and
wherein said gap is bridged by sealing material at one spot.
13. The container of claim 12 wherein said sealing material
contains temperature colour changing matter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a container for accommodating
free-flowing products, in particular in the form of a beverage can,
which is provided with a predetermined breaking line which, once
broken open, produces a drinking or pouring opening. The beverage
can is intended to be used particularly for carbonated
beverages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Beverage cans usually have a horseshoe-shaped predetermined
breaking line which bounds a top or cover wall region of the can,
on which a ring pull tab is fastened. If such a beverage can has
been opened by virtue of the tab being actuated, it is no longer
possible to close it effectively, which, in the case of carbonated
drinks, results in the can contents having to be consumed rapidly
or the drink otherwise going flat.
[0003] In order to cover the drinking or pouring opening it is
already known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,432 to use an additional lid
having a recessed opening and being formed as a rotary slider
having a projecting tongue for breaking open the drinking and
pouring opening. For doing so, the top wall of the container has a
depression with a sloping surface which leads to the region of the
later drinking and pouring opening. In this form of the top wall
region bounded by the breaking line, it is not possible with the
rotary slider to seal such drinking and pouring opening so that
carbonated beverages will loose pressure quickly.
[0004] A container with a rotary lid closure of the applicants is
known from German utility model DE U-200 04 152.5. It has proven
difficult to seal carbonated beverages after breaking open the
drinking and pouring opening.
[0005] Applicants of the present invention have described a
beverage container with a rotary lid closure in WO 01/66431 A2
where the drinking and pouring opening will already be sealed after
being opened. However, further amendments appear desirable when
closing carbonated beverage containers once more.
[0006] These sealing difficulties are based on the top wall arching
by the gas pressure of the carbonated beverage when the container
is closed, this arching however being decreasing when the container
is opened. In order to provide a good sealing effect, the rotary
lid closure should follow the axial movement of the top wall, and
engage the top wall with some pressure, when after breaking up the
drinking and pouring opening, the rotary lid closure is being
turned covering this drinking and pouring opening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a container
with a rotary lid closure adapted to seal the drinking and pouring
opening also in view of carbonated beverages.
[0008] With invention, the rotary lid closure is supported on the
container on the one hand to initially break up the drinking and
pouring opening when turning the rotary lid closure and then, on
the other hand, to enable covering and sealing the opened drinking
and pouring opening with wall portions of the rotary lid closure.
The means for supporting the rotary lid closure include clip
formations at the periphery of the rotary lid closure which
co-operate with the edge seam between top wall and the rotationally
symmetrical wall region of the container.
[0009] Furthermore, means for coupling the rotary lid closure to
the container top wall are provided which are effective so that the
rotary lid closure follows the container top wall when the same
recedes somewhat in direction of the container interior due to
decreasing inner pressure in the container. The coupling means are
formed so as to allow rotary movement of the rotary lid closure
relative to the container top wall. Generally, the rotary lid
closure together with the coupling means is formed so as the usual
stacking possibility of containers and tins one above the other
remains preserved.
[0010] The coupling means of the rotary lid closure may include an
additional central bearing and mounting point or place so as to
hold the rotary lid closure closely at the container top wall in
order to follow the arching movement up and down of the container
top wall which in the case of carbonated beverages occur due to
pressure variations.
[0011] The central bearing and mounting point or place of the
rotary lid closure at the container top wall may comprise a
pin-like extension of the container top wall and a hole recess in
the rotary lid closure, furthermore latching means are provided to
hold the members together. The latching means may include a cramp
which may be placed upon the pin-like extension of the container
top wall. As latching means also the latching engagement of dents
into an annular depression on the pin-like extension can be used.
Finally, it is also possible, after mounting the rotary lid
closure, to form some kind of rivet head at the pin-like
extension.
[0012] Additionally or alternatively to the central bearing and
mounting point or place, the container top wall and the rotary lid
closure may be provided with annular wall portions fitting to one
another and defining screw surfaces or bayonet formations which
become effective when turning the rotary lid closure so as to press
the same onto the drinking and pouring opening, when in the
position for covering the drinking and pouring opening, for better
sealing purposes.
[0013] Finally, it is also possible to make the wall of the rotary
closure with a different arching to that of the container top wall
so that the rotary lid closure stays pressed onto the container top
wall, also if after opening of the container, the container top
wall recedes due to decreasing inner pressure in the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will be described with reference to the
drawing in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows, in an exploded view, a section through the top
part of a first embodiment of a can having a rotary lid
closure,
[0016] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail thereof,
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the top part of the
can,
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail thereof,
[0019] FIG. 5 a third embodiment of the top part of the can,
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged detail thereof,
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal-radial section through a detail
of the top part of a can in a variation,
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a section through a further detail of the top
part of the can,
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the can in the initial
position,
[0024] FIG. 10 shows the opening position of the can,
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the reclosed position of the can after being
opened for the first time,
[0026] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the can
in the initial position,
[0027] FIG. 13 shows the can in its open position, and
[0028] FIG. 14 shows the reclosed can after being opened for the
first time.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows the top end of a can, i.e. a rotationally
symmetrical wall region 1, i.e. made of tin plate which is closed
by a top or lid wall 2, e.g. made of aluminum, an edge seam 3 being
formed. The lid wall 2 has an encircling groove 8 and a bounded
region 5 which is sunken to some extent in relation to the plane of
the lid wall 2 and has been prepared for partial breaking-open
action with the help of a notched weakening line 6 which forms a
predetermined breaking line (FIGS. 9 and 12). After breaking, a
drinking and pouring opening 9 is formed (FIGS. 10 and 13).
[0030] Along the symmetrical axis (FIG. 1) a pin-like extension 4
is formed, e.g. by hollow drawn wall portions of the lid 2. A
rotary lid closure 10 can be placed onto the lid wall 2. The rotary
lid closure preferably is made up of metal and has an encircling
annular wall 11 and a rotary shutter or sliding wall 13. The rotary
sliding wall 13 has a central opening 4 and a cut-out opening 15
(FIGS. 9 and 12), the latter being of more or less the same shape
as the bounded region 5 of the lid wall 2. In a distance S1 from
the edge of the opening 15, a downwardly extending boss 16 is
provided which e.g. is formed as a corrugation or hollow bead (FIG.
8), that is, is formed by wall portions of the rotary lid shutter
10. In the region of the annular wall 11 a number of flexible
depressions 20 (FIG. 7) are formed which in the manner of clips are
used for cooperating with the edge seam 3 so as to be able to
assemble and hold the rotary lid shutter 10 on the can 1. Three
resilient depressions 20 along the periphery of the annular wall 11
are sufficient for that purpose.
[0031] When assembling the rotary lid shutter 10 onto the lid wall
2, the opening 14 encircles the pin-like extension 4 (FIG. 2) and
is held thereon by means of a cap-like cramp 24. The cramp is to
some extent resilient and flexible and has indentations 25 which
dig into the wall of the extension 4 and hold the rotary lid
shutter 10 closely to the lid wall 2. Consequently, the rotary lid
shutter 10 can be turned, but follows all moments of the lid wall 2
when the same arches outwardly with increasing inner pressure in
the can and moves inwardly with decreasing inner pressure. This
movement of the lid wall 2 makes some tenths millimeters, the
extent of movement depending from the inner pressure in the can and
from the thickness of the lid wall. An average extent of movement
is 0.4 millimeter, however, also more than 1 millimeter can be
reached.
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further embodiment of the central
bearing and mounting place of the rotary shutter 10 on the pin-like
extensison 4. For this purpose, an annular depression 26 at the
extension 4 and a bulge dent 27 at the rotary lid shutter 10 are
provided. The parts are dimensioned so that when assembling the
rotary lid shutter 10 onto the lid wall 2, the extension 4 snaps
into the dent 27.
[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further kind of connection between
rotary lid shutter 10 and lid wall 2. The opening 14 of the rotary
lid shutter 10 is placed onto the extension 4 of the lid wall 2 and
the position reached is made sure by a kind of rivet head 28. The
rivet head 28 is fixed by a method where relatively rapid
vibrations are imposed onto the rivet head 28 so that the heat
produced by friction and deformation at the interface between the
parts 4 and 28 leads to melting of an intermediate layer and
therefore bonding of the parts. This fixing method has the
advantage that assembly of the rotary lid shutter 10 to the lid
wall 2 is possible with extraordinary low engagement pressure which
is of significance when the rotary lid shutter 10 must be mounted
even if the inner pressure in the can, in spite of being filled,
did not yet build up.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section through the can in the
region of the edge seam of the lid wall 2, however, with some
additions. The rotary lid shutter 10 comprises an annular
corrugation 21 in the region of the groove 8 formed by the lid wall
2. The annular corrugation 21 has an upper rim 23 which encloses
the rotary shutter sliding wall 13 which is arched. By choosing a
small vault towards the interior of the can (in the drawing
downwardly), the rotary lid shutter 10 will engage the lid wall 2
which is arched into the opposite direction. Alternatively, the
vault of the rotary shutter or sliding wall 13 may be in the same
direction as the vault of the lid wall 2, however with a different
measurement or size, so that in each position of the lid wall 2
pressing engagement is produced by the shutter wall 13.
[0035] The prestress produced therewith assists in the sealing
function of the shutter wall 13 around the drinking and pouring
opening 9 (FIGS. 11 and 14). Namely when the inner pressure
decreases after opening of the can, arching of the lid wall 2
decreases, the lid wall receding so-to-say. Due to the prestress of
wall 13 of the rotary lid shutter 10, the wall 13 may follow the
receding movement of the lid wall 2 and engage the sealing region
of the can opening with some contact pressure.
[0036] However, pressure engagement of the wall 13 on the lid wall
2 increases friction when turning the rotary lid closure 10. Since
the prestress is applied for purposes of sealing, it is only needed
in the position of FIGS. 11 and 14, respectively, of the rotary
shutter. Such pressure engagement of the wall 13 around the
periphery of the pouring opening 9 which depends from the rotary
position may be made up by short screw surfaces 31, 32 or bayonet
formations on the axially extending annular walls 21 and 22 of the
rotary shutter 10 and the lid wall 2, respectively, as indicated in
FIG. 7. In the position of FIGS. 10 and 13 of the rotary shutter
10, the same moves without higher pressure on the underlying lid
wall 2, whereas a higher pressure is produced when approaching the
position of FIG. 11 or 14 so as to increase the sealing effect.
[0037] In order to keep the receding of the lid wall 2 small, it is
possible to stiffen this lid wall 2 with an annular stiffening
corrugation. With a view of the intended purpose of improved
sealing after reclosing the can, it is preferred to arrange the
annular stiffening corrugation around the bounded region 5. Sealing
matter may be anchored in this stiffening corrugation to form a
sealing layer 5f as shown in FIGS. 12 through 14.
[0038] As also shown in FIG. 7, the outer annular wall 11 of the
rotary shutter comes close to the rotationally symmetrical wall
region 1 of the can, and the gap between members 11 and 1 is
bridged at a spot by seal material 35 which so to say forms a
tamper indication which is broken up when turning the rotary lid
closure 10. The seal material may contain temperature colour
changing substance harmonised with the desired drinking temperature
of a beverage filled in the can.
[0039] FIGS. 9 through 11 show a beverage can having a
kidney-shaped drinking opening which may be relatively large.
[0040] FIGS. 12 through 14 show a circular drinking opening.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 12 each show the starting position wherein the
can is still closed. As shown, the boss 16 is placed above the
sloping surface 5a of the depression 5 and slides or rides up onto
this surface when the rotary lid shutter 10 is turned in direction
of the arrow P1. Increasing pressure is imposed onto the surface 5
so that the weakened line 6 breaks and the wall portion 5 is bent
downwardly with the exception of the end region 5e which remains
unbroken. Thereupon, the position of FIG. 10 or 13 is reached in
which the recessed opening 15 overlaps the drinking and pouring
opening so formed. By turning back according to arrow P2, the
rotary lid closure may be returned into its initial position
wherein, however, the drinking opening 9 remains broken up (FIGS.
11 and 14). The sealing layer 5f around the drinking opening 9
which co-operates with the lower side of the shutter wall 13 may
improve the sealing effect. If the can is to be opened again, the
rotary shutter 10 is turned (arrow P3) to reach the position of
FIG. 10 or 13.
[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
suitable modifications, variations and equivalents may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention, such scope being
limited solely by the terms of the claims and the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *